Federer returns to No. 1
ROTTERDAM, Netherlands — Roger Federer has added another highlight to his age-defying career resurgence by securing his return to the top of the ATP World Tour rankings. At age 36, he will be the oldest No. 1 ever in tennis, man or woman. Federer won three of the past five Grand Slam tournaments to put him on track, and his 4-6, 6-1, 6-1 victory against Robin Haase in the ABN AMRO World Tournament quarterfinals Friday clinched it. “Getting to No. 1 and enjoying it right here at 36, almost 37 years old is an absolute dream come true,” Federer said. “I can’t believe it.” Federer will leapfrog 31-year-old Rafael Nadal, his top rival, when the rankings are updated Monday. Going more than five years between his No. 1 reigns and the 14 years since he first reached the top spot will be records, too. On Monday, the 20-time major winner will extend his record of 302 weeks at No. 1 since the rankings began in 1973. Pete Sampras is a distant second with 286 weeks at the top; Novak Djokovic is the closest active player, with 223 weeks at No. 1.
BASEBALL
› Freddie Freeman’s left wrist is completely healed, his eyes have been surgically corrected and the Atlanta Braves slugger is ready to do big things and hopes the team is, too. Freeman arrived at spring training Friday, two days before the official reporting day for position players. For the first time, he discussed at length the Lasik eye surgery he had in October and his workout regimen this winter. He missed nearly seven weeks last year after breaking his left wrist May 17, halting a career-best start to his season. He still hit .307 with 28 home runs and a .989 on-base plus slugging percentage in 117 games. “I got Lasik, so I’m looking forward to testing that out,” said Freeman, who was bothered by dry eyes and blurry vision for years and wore contacts during games. “Everything feels good so far hitting in the offseason. I feel great. I worked out hard. I concentrated on my left wrist, getting that strong. Everything feels good, body feels great, and I’m ready to go.”
› JUPITER, Fla. — While
Giancarlo Stanton and
Christian Yelich were happy to be traded by the Miami Marlins, right-handed pitcher Dan Straily said he wants to be a cornerstone of the team’s rebuilding plan. And that’s not all. “I’m glad they’re gone,” Straily said Friday. “If they don’t want to be here, good for them.” Straily’s reaction to the Marlins’ offseason dismantling under new CEO Derek Jeter differs dramatically from those of fans angered by the moves and players wanting out because they anticipate lots of losing. Half of the everyday lineup was traded, including Yelich and Stanton — last year’s National League MVP — and Miami received mostly prospects in return. But Straily said a reboot was justified after eight consecutive losing seasons under former owner Jeffrey Loria. “I really agreed with what happened,” said Straily, who went 10-9 last year and might be the starter on opening day next month. “I feel like with the pieces they brought in, this might flip around a little quicker than people realize. I’m not saying today, but I’m excited to be here and try to mentor guys coming into the big leagues for the first time.” The Marlins went 77-85 last year, and after the season Stanton voiced his frustration with a pitching staff that had the fifth-worst ERA in the majors.